Exploring the Associations Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Interpersonal Attraction: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Lebanese Female University Students

Interpersonal functioning is impacted by various schemas; early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) can negatively impact interpersonal relationships in adults, yet no prior research has explored the link between EMSs and interpersonal attraction. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study among Lebanese female university students using an online questionnaire. We also controlled for common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Our study, implemented across ten university campuses and with a sample of 662 cisgender and heterosexual female students, revealed significant associations between EMSs and different forms of interpersonal attraction. Specifically, punitiveness was found to increase the likelihood of high task attraction, while enmeshment was associated with higher social attraction. In contrast, none of the early maladaptive schemas were significantly associated with physical attraction. Our findings emphasize the critical role of EMSs in shaping women's interpersonal attraction and highlight the potential utility of schema therapy in promoting healthy human interactions. This study fills an important gap in the literature and sheds light on a previously unexplored aspect of human behavior that has implications for promoting women's well-being in diverse settings.